I'm somewhat new to the RV7 and looking for opinons on tire pressures. I've been checking the tires at least once a month. It seems like 38psi is the sweet spot but I'm curious as to what other RV7 drivers prefer.

Short version, yeah, about 38 is common as a compromise between leg shake and tube life. Higher generally means more shake. Lower appears to come with anecdotal evidence of tube pinch and scuff problems. I run 50 in an 8, but I don't have to deal with leg shake.

I run 45 in the mains and 50 in the nose wheel on my 6A. I have wood dampers on the legs and never experienced any shimmy on the mains. Nose dances a bit, but only observable to viewers as it can't be felt.

I'm somewhat new to the RV7 and looking for opinons on tire pressures. I've been checking the tires at least once a month. It seems like 38psi is the sweet spot but I'm curious as to what other RV7 drivers prefer.

Thanks

RV7 slider 0-360
C-150 Tail dragger sold 10/17
KHAF

The tail draggers often run less pressure than the nose wheel RVs in order to manage gear shimmy. I ran 28 in my RV-6 tires for many years but now start at 35 and add air when they get down to about 28. If you don't have any gear shimmy at 38 that will be a good number for you. If you have shimmy you might try a little less pressure. The shimmy thing will vary depending on tire wear patterns/roundness.

The tail draggers often run less pressure than the nose wheel RVs in order to manage gear shimmy. I ran 28 in my RV-6 tires for many years but now start at 35 and add air when they get down to about 28. If you don't have any gear shimmy at 38 that will be a good number for you. If you have shimmy you might try a little less pressure. The shimmy thing will vary depending on tire wear patterns/roundness.

And yes....tons of info in the forum archives on this discussion.

I started with low pressure (25 psi) on my -6 and had a fair amount of shimmy. Since I upped it to 38 or so, the problem has all but disappeared.

The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.